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Illinois lawmaker aims to do more to prevent hazing in college sports

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Illinois lawmaker aims to do more to prevent hazing in college sports


CHICAGO (CBS) – While Northwestern University leaders remained quiet on Tuesday, one Illinois lawmaker was voicing his support for stronger anti-hazing laws.

CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey dug into the proposed College Athlete Bill of Rights.

Hazing is already illegal in Illinois, so CBS 2 wanted to ask the lawmaker, State Rep. Kam Buckner (D), what else his legislation does, and if other states are doing it better.

Days before the news of football coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing broke, Buckner vowed to file legislation that creates the athlete bill of rights to codify what he says “true protection should look like.”

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“We would be, I think, the first state in the country to do it in a holistic way,” he said.

Buckner is a former University of Illinois defensive tackle.

“This is super personal to me,” he added.

He knows firsthand what could be at stake for some student-athletes.

“If I was in this position, if I would have stepped forward and said anything, you run the risk of jeopardizing the scholarship, right?” Buckner said.

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That is why the lawmaker wants to mandate an “ombudsman,” a person who athletes can come to, other than a coach, to whistleblow without fear of retaliation. Buckner said the bulk of the law would be modeled after similar legislation in California which went into effect more than a decade ago.

“There is such a fear of coming forward,” said Dr. Elizabeth Allan, with the organization STOP Hazing.

Allan has studied anti-hazing across the country. According to their analysis, 44 of 50 states have anti-hazing laws in place, but the strength of the laws vary significantly.

“But we also have to look at shifting the culture to support the likelihood that those laws and policies will be used,” Allan said.

She said the ombudsman role would be helpful and should the legislation take effect, Illinois would be among the states with the strongest protections.

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“We need to have more people who are able to be there and support students,” she said.

Buckner said lawmakers are still in the drafting stage of the bill, but he plans to introduce it within the next week or so, with hopes of a first hearing in October.

For more information and anti-hazing resources, visit StopHazing.org/resources.



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Illinois

Should Biden step aside? Illinois Democrat congressman weighs in

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Should Biden step aside? Illinois Democrat congressman weighs in


Calls within the Democratic Party for President Joe Biden to step aside are growing louder.

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Illinois Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley expressed concerns following Biden’s poorly received debate performance last week, which has caused a dip in his polling numbers. Democrats are now worried not only about keeping Donald Trump out of office but also about their prospects in the House and Senate.

“At this point, it’s Joe Biden, unless he decides he’s not that nominee,” Quigley said. “We move forward with that understanding unless there’s a change.”

White House officials and Biden campaign surrogates have claimed the president simply had a bad night during the debate. However, Quigley believes Biden’s problems extend beyond a single debate.

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“I think we gotta be honest with ourselves, this wasn’t just one bad debate performance. There are very real concerns, and you have to take the voters for where they are, not where you want them to be,” Quigley said.

Quigley emphasized that the decision is ultimately Biden’s to make, but he should consider his lagging poll numbers and their effect on down-ballot races.

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“If I were to talk to him, what I would say is, this was a tough race, it’s going to be a much tougher race. You were down in states, that hasn’t changed, got worse, so we’ve gotta make a decision, one he alone has to make,” Quigley added.

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Supreme Courts immunity ruling at the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC on July 1, 2024. The US Supreme Court ruled July 1, 2024 that Donald Trump enjoys some immunity from prosecution as a

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Quigley is not the only top Democrat speaking out. Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett publicly called on Biden to step aside, and South Carolina Democratic stalwart Jim Clyburn said he would support Vice President Kamala Harris should Biden step aside. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also suggested that both Trump and Biden should take cognitive tests.

Quigley believes Biden would leave with his head held high if he chose to step down now.

“He’s really had one of the most successful presidencies of my lifetime, so I think what he has to appreciate is, that should be his legacy, and where do we go from here. That decision rests with only one person, and that’s President Biden. He has to come to terms with that,” Quigley stated.

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A Democratic strategist expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to continue given his poor polling numbers. Reports indicate that Biden plans to meet with top Democrats on Capitol Hill and governors and will sit down for an interview with ABC News on Friday.



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'Tipsy' artist Shaboozey joins Illinois State Fair 2024 lineup

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'Tipsy' artist Shaboozey joins Illinois State Fair 2024 lineup


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Crossover country sensation Shaboozey has been added to the Illinois State Fair lineup.

The artist, with the hit single “Tipsy,” will take the stage Sunday, Aug. 18.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Shaboozey also contributed to Beyonce’s chart-topping album “Cowboy Carter.”

Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster.

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According to the fair’s website, tickets start at $20; a pre-show party can be added on for $30.

Others performing at the 2024 Illinois State Fair include Keith Urban, Jason Isbell, Lil Wayne, Jonas Brothers, The Smashing Pumpkins and Miranda Lambert.

The fair takes place from Aug. 8 to 18 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.

Visit statefair.illinois.gov for more information.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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Timeless Enters Illinois Cannabis Market

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Timeless Enters Illinois Cannabis Market


Timeless will launch in Illinois with six strains from its signature “Choose Your Mood” collection, “Energy” (Sativa), “Chill” (Hybrid), and “Rest” (Indica), as well as its NOIR Live Resin Terpenes and Timeless All-In-One vaporizers, all uniquely designed to suit the specific needs of each consumer. In addition, Timeless will debut an exclusive ‘Greetings From Illinois’ flip case and battery, a limited-edition combo featuring cultural references unique to Illinois. Team Timeless will be taking over retail partner locations throughout July to educate consumers on Timeless products, strains and their effects, as well as offering special promotions, doorbusters and food from local vendors.

“We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of our journey in the midwest in Illinois,” said Timeless Founder Rocky Huang. “Having previously launched in Missouri and Ohio, we know first-hand how incredible the midwestern cannabis market is and introducing our high-quality products to Illinois marks an exciting next step to further increase our presence in this region. By blending the state’s rich culture with our commitment to community, we hope to build long-lasting relationships with adult-use consumers.”

Timeless products will be available with activations at select Curaleaf locations starting Wednesday July 3rd, followed by Zen Leaf on the 4th, and continuing with OKAY, Trinity, Bud & Rita’s, Be, Windy City, and Ivy Hall dispensaries in the weeks to come. In addition, new locations carrying Timeless later in the month will include The Cannabist, Ayr Wellness, Consume, RISE, Mission, and nuEra.

To learn more about where and when to find Timeless in Illinois this summer and the schedule for Timeless Takeovers at dispensaries, please visit the Timeless Illinois Launch Webpage. For more information on the Timeless brands, collaborations, and product availability, please visit https://www.timelessvapes.com.

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About Timeless:
Timeless was founded in 2011 with the vision of creating a leading lifestyle brand around high-quality cannabis products and unique engagement through the pillars of “Community, Culture, and Legacy.” Timeless began making cannabis products in 2013 and is celebrating their 11th anniversary. Their passion for innovation, unique brand building, and customer engagement has led Timeless to be a leading national House of Brands in the industry. Today, Timeless operates in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, and now Illinois, and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn more about Timeless please visit: https://www.timelessvapes.com.

SOURCE Timeless Refinery



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